15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs

Reading Time: 22 min read

15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs features songs by Artemas, Bruno Mars, Hector Lopez, Michael Bolton, Simon & Garfunkel, and Tyler, The Creator.

Cutting straight to the chase, no BS, the keyword is the pronoun, I. 15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs is the latest entry in the I Songs series on The Musical Hype. It follows Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4, published in 2025. The criterion is simple: every song must feature some form of the pronoun “I” in the title.  There are lots of “I” songs.  This list is limited to 15. 15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs features songs by Artemas, Bruno Mars, Hector Lopez, Michael Bolton, Simon & Garfunkel, and Tyler, The Creator. So, without further ado, embrace the power of I!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”	2. The Red Clay Strays, “If I Didn’t Know You”	3. kwn, “do what i say”
4. Artemas, “you and i could never be friends”	5. Barry Manilow, “I Write the Songs”	6. Tate McRae, “Like I Do”
7. Hector Lopez, “I’m not driving blind”	8. Tyler The Creator, “Thought I Was Dead” (Ft. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)	9. Kelsea Ballerini, “I Sit In Parks”
10. Matty M., “I Like Boys”	11. Michael Bolton, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”	12. Enrique Iglesias & Whitney Houston, “Could I Have This Kiss Forever”
13. Yvonne Elliman, “If I Can’t Have You”	14. The Soul Children, “I’ll Understand”	15. Simon & Garfunkel, “I Am a Rock”
I Songs

1. Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”

The Romantic » Atlantic » 2026

“You stepped inside with a vibe I ain’t never seen / Yes, you did, ooh.”

Oh, snap, Bruno Mars! The Grammy-winning pop superstar returned after a lengthy hiatus with an irresistibly thrilling single, “I Just Might”. “I Just Might” is the third track from his highly anticipated comeback album, The Romantic. The Romantic marks his fourth solo studio album and his fifth album overall. Mars penned “I Just Might” alongside Philip Lawrence, Brody Brown, and D’Mile. He produced it with D’Mile.

Like so many Bruno Mars songs, “I Just Might” is funky to the nth degree. The musical accompaniment is electrifying, recreating the sound of past R&B and soul (tight rhythm section, including percussion, horns, etc.). Even though it is highly inspired by the past, “I Just Might” sounds refreshing – bright, energetic, and sunny. Mars keeps the same energy, delivering an electrifying, exuberant performance. At 41, he doesn’t sound like he’s anywhere near that age. His voice remains dynamic, pure, and youthful. Beyond the band and the performance by Bruno, the composition is top-notch, too. The melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are catchy, fun, and incredibly memorable. “But first, my I just say that your face got me so intrigued,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “I’m so intrigued / But what good is your beauty if your booty can’t find the beat?” Word. He extends on this in the pre-chorus, stating, “it would break my heart… if I found out you can’t move.” As entertaining as the verses and pre-chorus are, the crème de la crème is the chorus:

“Hey, Mr. DJ (Oh, oh, oh)

Play a song for this pretty little lady (Oh, oh, oh)

‘Cause if she dance as good as she look right now (Oh, oh, oh)

I just might, I just might make her my baby.”

Ooh-wee! Filled with personality and featuring the impeccable showmanship we’ve known him for, “I Just Might” marks another winner for Bruno Mars.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from January 2026

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2. The Red Clay Strays, “If I Didn’t Know You”

“If I Didn’t Know You” » RCA Records / HBYCO Records » 2026

“You caught me at a crossroads, you caught me in the nick of time.”

Thank goodness! South Alabama country rock band The Red Clay Strays (Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Andrew Bishop, and John Hall) ‘bring it’ on the moving ballad “If I Didn’t Know You”. Nix and Natalie Hemby penned “If I Didn’t Know You” while the renowned Dave Cobb produced it. Fun fact: the music video features one of the hottest comedians, Matt Rife, with his hair dyed blonde.

There is so much to love about “If I Didn’t Know You.” It begins as a piano ballad, with a single piano chord preceding the vocals. Brandon Coleman sounds amazing, delivering authentic and expressive vocals from the get-go. He brings Nix’s and Hemby’s thoughtful songwriting to life masterfully. “I was down and out, running with the wrong crowd / I was walking through every wrong door,” Coleman sings introspectively in the first verse, and continues, “I can’t imagine all the trouble I’d be if you never made me yours.” Wow. In the second verse, he addresses his beloved, singing, “Well, you found me, lost, I see, tossed and turned around / Held on through the ebb and flow, yeah, you ain’t putting me down.” Notably, the second verse features more fully developed musical accompaniment in the traditional country music style. The chorus is the crowning achievement and the most memorable and tuneful section of the song.

“And if I didn’t know you, I wouldn’t know how to love

I wouldn’t know what it feels like to be someone’s only one

And if I never saw your eyes, it’s like I’d never see the sun

What would I do if I didn’t know you?”

The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus in harmonic progression. The theme, however, is much the same: she was his savior, of sorts. Coleman brings even more powerful vocals during this section. Following a brief guitar solo post-bridge, the familiarity returns with the high-flying chorus concluding “If I Didn’t Know You.” All in all, “If I Didn’t Know You” is a gorgeous record. It shines thanks to the thoughtful songwriting, moving, nuanced, and sincere vocal performance, and solid production.

Appears in🔻:

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3. kwn, “do what i say”

with all due respect » RCA » 2025

“Paint your nails /… Paint your nails the way I like ‘em,”

British singer-songwriter and rapper kwn (Khyra Leah Wilson) sings in the first verse of her single, “do what i say”. Uh-oh, it’s giving matters of the heart… matters of the bedroom 😈. And, it’s not giving straight! She adds, “I might paint mine, too / ‘Cause I know a place I can hide ‘em / And it’s inside you, woah.” Oh, snap! “Do what i say” is the compelling eighth track from kwn’s 2025 album, with all due respect. She wrote and produced the single, which thrives on its striking, self-described cheeky lyricism.

“Do what i say” features an enticing, refined musical accompaniment. The groove is awesome, while the sound fuses R&B and hip-hop vibes. Kwn delivers expressive vocals throughout, selling the lyrics like a champ. Her sometimes broken, staccato vocal style is quite intriguing. Essentially, she gives us a compelling blend of melodic rap and singing. With so many lyrical gems from the first verse, there is one I failed to mention: “Hands mingled, she / Said she single, but that pussy only tingle for me, oooh.” D-d-damn! Kwn sounds far more connected and legato singing during the centerpiece, the chorus, emphasizing, “You gon’ do what I, I, I / You gon’ do what I say-ay.” The melody sounds incredibly intriguing during the second verse. It’s quite rhythmic, with some distinct, striking octave leaps. Also, it’s – wait for it – sexual! “Couple years older, I ain’t scared at all, huh / You seen how I handle it, criminal,” she sings, and adds, “Picture you against the wall naked / You said it’s mine, so show me, baby.” Oh, shyt! Kwn says it best: “Best get in position, girl!” “Do what i say” is nothing short of a bop. And not just any bop! If you needed a lesbian banger to add to your listening rotation, kwn has you covered with this one!

Appears in 🔻:

kwn, do what i say: Beaming with Pride No. 100 (2025)

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4. Artemas, “you and i could never be friends”

“you and i could never be friends” » Artemas » 2025

“I know that we only just met.”

Facts, Artemas. So, where, exactly, are you going with this? “But you and I ain’t gonna be friends.” Oh. Hmm, so what is happening between them? What we do know is the bedroom is involved… who’s shocked? Once again, Artemas engages us with another sexual bop, “you and i could never be friends”. Interestingly, this Artemas/Henry Morris/Kevin White-penned track (produced by Artemas and White) arrives weeks after his mixtape, LOVERCORE, was released. Artemas picks up where he left off, PERIOD.

“You and i could never be friends,” begins with Artemas singing abruptly. Our boy is standing on business! Our utterly naughty English pop singer-songwriter gets right to the point. “You” features an adventurous, noisy backdrop. There are boisterous, sharp synths and distorted, stuttering drums. At times, there are holes within the accompaniment, allowing more nuanced musical touches, including some inviting guitar lines and striking keys and sound effects. The backdrop aside, the star of the show is Artemas, who is unapologetic as… wait for it… fuck. He admits he’s in a dark place in life, horny, and gives no fucks. “You keep looking at me crazy, it’s a face I recognize / And you’re talking to me sweet while you fuck me with your eyes.” Oh, the eye-fucking! He continues singing in the verse, “You’re lucky that you met me at this dark time of my life / ‘Cause I couldn’t give a fuck if I don’t make it through tonight.” So, is this a hookup or love at first sight? With some drinks and drugs in them and a trip to the bedroom, friendship is unimportant. Sex, on the other hand, is the modus operandi. Is it casual, or, can non-friends become lovers? Debatable. What’s not debatable is the fact that Artemas satisfies our thirst once more with another sexed-up bop in “you and i could never be friends”.

Appears in 🔻:

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5. Barry Manilow, “I Write the Songs”

Tryin’ To Get The Feeling » Arista Records LLC » 1975

“I put the words and the melodies together / I am music, and I write the songs.”

No truer words have ever been spoken, Barry Manilow (b. 1943). Cutting straight to the chase, “I Write the Songs” is one of the finest pop songs ever written. Bruce Johnston wrote the seventh track from Manilow’s 1975 album, Tryin’ To Get The Feeling. Manilow and Ron Dante produced it. It was originally released by Captain & Tennille the same year. David Cassidy (1950 – 2017) also released it before Manilow. Barry transformed it into a hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year at the 19^th Annual Grammy Awards.

From the beginning of “I Write the Songs,” the music arrangement stands out. Gorgeous, this is a well-orchestrated and well-produced number. Beyond the rhythm section, warm strings, including harp, winds, and symphonic elements, stand out. A cinematic song like “I Write The Song” begs for an orchestra, and it gets it! Beyond the backdrop, Barry Manilow does what he does best – SING! His vocals are strong, commanding, and expressive. His tone is pure, and his sincerity is utterly sublime. As always, Manilow brings the theatrics, with his showmanship shining through the audio 🤯. The chorus is divine, ranking among the best of his illustrious catalog:

“I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs.”

The bridge distinguishes itself from everything else. Here, epic orchestral touches appear, accentuating the drama. Post-bridge, on the chorus, there is a dramatic key modulation to the key of A that’s perfect! Manilow doesn’t stop there, ascending a full step to the key of B, in all of its five-sharp glory! While the song fades out, near the end remains dramatic with the drum runs, horn riffs, and those high-flying, theatrical choral vocals. “I Write the Songs” is one of many special songs that Barry Manilow gave the world.

Appears in 🔻:

Barry Manilow, I Write the Songs: Throwback Vibez No. 18 (2026)

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6. Tate McRae, “Like I Do”

So Close To What » RCA » 2025

“Got your own, but you started eyein’ down on my man,”

Tate McRae sings in the first verse of “Like I Do”. She continues, “And my clothes, and my plans / Know you’re prayin’ on my downfall.” Naturally, our Canadian Gen-Z pop standout disapproves of anyone trying to steal her man or who is jealous of what she brings to the table. In the pre-chorus, she is honest about her feelings: “I don’t trust you, not at all.” She’s even more honest in an interlude where she coolly but memorably tells this chick, “But also, fuck you / Get the fuck away from me.”

Tate adds fuel to the fire in the second verse of the 10^th track from her third studio album, So Close To What. “You ain’t what you paint to the public, nah, nah / Friends with the ones that you know you shit-talkin’ about,” she sings, and adds, “I ain’t never seen that many faces (Oh) / I ain’t never ever wanna ever switch places.” Can you say, burn?! Backtracking, McRae sets the tone early with the chorus, the first section of the song that is heard:

“Say you wanna know me, you don’t wanna know me

You just wanna do what I do

You been tryna read me, think you wanna be me

You should go ahead and try to

Say you wanna know me, you don’t wanna know me

You just wanna do what I do

What I do (I do)

Like I do (Ooh).”

Ooh-wee! Beyond the lyrics, engaging, playful, and well-rounded vocals from Tate, “Like I do” features ear-catching production (Grant). The keys – pads and synths – are warm, while the drum groove provides a trunk-rattling anchor. Self-assured and eradicating bullshit and fake friends, Tate McRae excels something fierce on “Like I Do”.

Appears in 🔻:

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7. Hector Lopez, “I’m not driving blind”

“I’m not driving blind” » DistroKid » 2025

“Hoped for something real / But behind the screen / There was nothing / Posing torsos with no heads / Trying to get inside my bed.”

Uh-oh! Yeah, it’s giving Grindr and Sniffies, Hector Lopez. No shade, but my gay and bi brothers, we know how it goes down 😏. The handsome and talented Stockholm-based, gay Latino musician deserves better! He needs to know who these anonymous bodied-up dudes are. After all, before those excerpted lyrics from “I’m not driving blind”, he was looking for ‘Mr. Right.’ Hector, please inform me if you find him! Despite potential and piqued curiosity, Lopez is using discernment. He brings the heat on his infectious dance bop, readymade for the gay club.

Musically, “I’m not driving blind” is striking. It begins with a pummeling beat that hits you in the chest. Featuring vibrant production, the groove, rhythmic keys, and colorful synths go hard. As for Hector Lopez, he infuses plenty of personality and playfulness into his vocal performance. The lyrics, excerpted earlier, are memorable and gay-tinged, though non troppo. Likewise, the melodies are tuneful. Lopez references being cautious when it comes to these hotties. You gotta be smart and not only be enticed by the bod. “You say you want to know my address / But you don’t want to show your face,” he sings. Oop! He continues, “I’m thinking that’s a kind of madness / Why are you hiding in shades?” Yep, ain’t that some shit?! In the second verse, he admits, “I won’t some real affection / Not part of your charades.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“You got the lines

You got the looks

You got me curious

But I’m not driving blind.”

Say that, Hector! “I’m not driving blind” rocks, in the most gay club/dance way possible! And my guys, take notes! Show that beautiful, handsome face, not just those abs… and what’s below the belt 😈 ! Also, how about a conversation about sexual practices so that no one is driving blind into potential, nasty STIs. Just sayin’!

Appears in 🔻:

Hector Lopez, I’m not driving blind: Beaming with Pride No. 11 (2026)

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8. Tyler The Creator, “Thought I Was Dead” (Ft. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)

CHROMAKOPIA » Columbia » 2024

“There’s more to life than just fuckin’ workin’, bro (They thought I was dead).”

Word. Of course, Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, The Creator (Tyler Okonma) was not dead. In 2024, following a three-year hiatus, Tyler dropped CHROMAKOPIA, another exceptional LP. Among many highlights was “Thought I Was Dead”, where he tapped fellow West Coast rapper, ScHoolboy Q, and singer Santigold for the assist. Handling the production himself, Tyler created a fierce, striking, and vibrant rap banger. Beyond the hard-hitting, syncopated beat, exuberant horns up the ante. Not only is this some of Tyler’s sickest production work, but he drops his fair share of dope rhymes. The chorus is infectious to the nth degree. Why? Because, “Them niggas thought I was dead.” Woo!

The intro sets the tone for “Thought I Was Dead”: “You don’t wanna go to war with a soldier.” It samples “Basic Combat Training (BCT) – Marching to Chow” by Paul L.. Santigold performs the final line of the intro excerpted above. She also appears throughout the song with the colorful titular lyric, “They thought I was dead.” Tyler, The Creator snaps in the opening verse, asserting, “Okay, bitch, I’ve been trapped in a zoo / Nigga got plaques like the crack of a tooth,” and, referencing his past work, “Grab the blamer, fuck all the glitz and glamor / I want a crib in Atlanta, brodie, me and my bitch changin’ Pampers.” Woo!

ScHoolboy Q raps the second verse, showing off a badass cadence and flow. Perhaps his best line is, “Niggas tend to get rich, and they act weird (Weird) / How you walkin’ out the party with your butt pierced?” Damn! A fun bridge follows Q’s verse, performed by Tyler, accompanied by those sickening horns (“Packed in, goddamn, that dream…”). A second bridge follows the chorus, where Tyler informs us, “I don’t wanna be found, I don’t wanna be down.” He concludes “Thought I Was Dead” with an epic third verse filled with fiery bars. Among the gems: “White boys mockin’ this shit and y’all mad at me? Y’all can suck my dick,” “Bitch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me,” “Fuck you know about being better than them niggas that you hate,” and “Why am I filled with this hate? Got freedom in every way / Y’all wanna take what I got, but y’all do not got what it take.” Anyone who thought that Tyler, The Creator was dead was mistaken. “Thought I Was Dead” slaps from start to finish. Nothing dead about this one!

Appears in 🔻:

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9. Kelsea Ballerini, “I Sit In Parks”

Mount Pleasant » Black River Entertainment » 2025

“I sit in parks, it breaks my heart / ‘Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want.”

Ah, reflection mode – you’ve gotta love it! Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini (b. 1993) has experienced her fair share of success, with multiple gold and platinum singles and albums. The brief but potent single, “I Sit In Parks”, is the opener from her EP Mount Pleasant. Ballerini penned “I Sit In Parks.” She produced it with Alysa Vanderheym.

“I Sit In Parks” begins with a gorgeous, enigmatic introduction. The record is set in a lilting, compound duple meter. Ballerini excels with her chill, easygoing vocals. Her tone is lovely. Though it is labelled country, at best, “I Sit In Parks” sounds only moderately country. The chorus, the centerpiece, is more country than anything else, but could pass for pop:

“Did I miss it? By now, is it

A lucid dream? Is it my fault

For chasing things, a body clock

Doesn’t wait for? I did the damn tour

It’s what I wanted, what I got

I spun around, and then I stopped

And wonder if I missed the mark.”

The songwriting is intriguing and well-rounded. Ballerini even throws in some salty language: “So I sit in parks, sunglasses dark / And I hit the vape, hallucinate a nursery with Noah’s Ark / They lay on a blanket and goddamn it he loves her.” That is slightly un-country-like… on recording, at least. One of the most interesting lyrics also hails from the second verse, where Kelsea asserts, “But Rolling Stone says I’m on the right road / So, I refill my Lexapro, thinkin’.” Although “I Sit In Parks” is brief, it is quite enjoyable.

Appears in 🔻:

15 More Striking I-N In Songs (2026)

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10. Matty M., “I Like Boys”

“I Like Boys” » Matty M. » 2025

“I like BOYS, I like BOYS / Dance with me tonight.”

Hell yeah, Matty M. (Matthias März)! Boys are the best… in many ways. They do have their shitty qualities, though… Not to be a buzzkill or cockblocker! Anyway, “I Like Boys” is one of many G-A-Y, MLM bops by März. “Move your body, shake it free / This is how we’re meant to be.” Ah, the freedom for boys to dance with other boys, without judgment. And do more, of course 😈! Ooh-wee, that is gay, indeed, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Not only do “I Like Boys” 🤭, but I also like the vibrant production. It’s giving, y’all! There’s nothing like a badass, hard-hitting, danceable beat, colorful synths, and a fat bass line. The instrumental is perfect fuel for the fire to sing about loving those B-O-Y-S! The vocals eat, as do the lyrics. The assertive vocals clearly express the desire and longing. “Shake your body to the beat / Boy, you make my heart skip beats,” he sings, and continues, “Dance with me in the neon lights / I like boys all through the boys.” Oh, snap! As “I Like Boys” progresses, the vocals grow more passionate, screaming, “I LIKE BOYS.” If there was any doubt, Matty M. makes it crystal clear on this highly entertaining gay dance-pop banger, “I Like Boys”. It is best experienced dancing with a hot boy.

Appears in 🔻:

Matty M., I Like Boys: Beaming with Pride No. 10 (2026)

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11. Michael Bolton, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”

Soul Provider » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1989

“Tell me, how am I supposed to live without you / Now that I’ve been loving you so long?”

That is a legitimate question and concern, Michael Bolton (b. 1953)! “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” is the fourth track from the pop singer-songwriter’s 1989 multi-platinum album, Soul Provider. Notably, Bolton covers the Laura Branigan (1952 – 2004) hit. Notably, Bolton penned the gem alongside Doug James. Yes, it’s still a cover, but he played a role in Branigan’s original success since he wrote it 😉. Michael Omartian produced his version. Bolton’s cover spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. He won his first of two Grammys for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male at the 32^nd Annual Grammy Awards. What I’m saying is, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” is kind of a big deal.

“How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” thrives because it is a big-time, soulful adult contemporary ballad. Michael Bolton has a hell of a voice, perfectly attuned to balladry. Beyond his prodigious pipes, which shine brightest during the chorus, the musical accompaniment and production are on point (warm, sophisticated keyboards, programming, ripe guitar, robust bass, drums, etc.). This song sounds like the perfect bridge between two eras – the 1980s and 1990s. But back to the voice! It is easy to buy what he sells, considering he sings authentically, dramatically, and expressively. “I’m too proud for cryin’, didn’t come here to break down / It’s just a dream of mine is coming to an end,” he sings, defeated in the second verse, and concludes, “And how can I blame you when I built my world around / The hope that one day we’d be so much more than friends?” That’s deep, Michael. Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, in all its big, illustrious, and overblown glory:

“Tell me, how am I supposed to live without you
Now that I’ve been lovin’ you so long?
How am I supposed to live without you?
And how am I supposed to carry on
When all that I’ve been livin’ for is gone?”

Following the second chorus, fittingly, there’s an exuberant guitar solo (nothing too crazy, though 😉). This prefaces one final pre-chorus and the big one – the big, closing chorus, that is. In the final pre-chorus, Bolton is turned all the way up, showing off his sick upper register. Yes, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” was a hit before Michael Bolton recorded it. But Mr. Bolton, after covering the song he co-wrote, made his version the definitive take.

Appears in 🔻:

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12. Enrique Iglesias & Whitney Houston, “Could I Have This Kiss Forever”

Enrique » Interscope » 1999

“Dame un beso para siempre.”

What do those Spanish lyrics mean? “Give me a kiss forever.” That lines up with the title and theme of the Enrique Iglesias (b. 1975) and Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) duet, “Could I Have This Kiss Forever”. Although Iglesias and Houston seem like an unlikely pairing on paper, they conjure up some magic on “Kiss,” the seventh track from Iglesias’s 1999 album, Enrique. Hall of Fame Songwriter Diane Warren (b. 1956) wrote “Kiss,” while producer extraordinaire David Foster (b. 1949) produced it. “Could I Have This Kiss Forever” marked the fourth single from Enrique. While it failed to reach the top 40 of the pop charts, it spent 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 52.

Whitney Houston performs the brief spoken intro, excerpted earlier, performed exclusively in Spanish. Enrique Iglesias performs the first verse, performed in English. He sings beautifully and expressively. “Over and over, I look in your eyes,” he asserts, and continues, he asserts, and continues, “You are all I desire / You have captured me.” Houston follows with the pre-chorus, matching his beautiful tone with her own refined pipes. She and Iglesias join forces in the chorus, in all its Latin pop glory.

“Could I hold you for a lifetime?

Could I look into your eyes?

Could I have this night to share this night together?

Could I hold you close beside me?

Could I hold you for all time?

Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever?”

Just before the chorus, there is an unexpected curveball: a key change. It’s odd at first, but as the song progresses, it grows on you and is one of the reasons why “Kiss” ends up sounding distinct. Houston takes the reins in the second verse (back in the original key), as well as the pre-chorus that follows. “I want to hold you (Hold you),” she sings, and adds, “And touch you and taste you (Hold you) / And make you want no one but me.” Once more, she and Enrique sing together in the chorus. Houston and Iglesias bring the heat on the bridge, where they assert, “I don’t want any night to go by / Without you by my side…” After one final, powerful collaborative chorus, Iglesias and Houston perform an interlude in Spanglish, concluding with the outro, which fittingly asks, “Could I have this kiss forever?” All in all, Enrique Iglesias and Whitney Houston conjure up something special with “Could I Have This Kiss Forever”. Backed by a sweet, rhythmic Latin pop/adult contemporary backdrop, these two fantastic pop musicians shine. Once-in-a-lifetime? You bet! R.I.P. Whitney!

Appears in 🔻:

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13. Yvonne Elliman, “If I Can’t Have You”

Saturday Night Fever (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) » Barry Gibb, The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb » 1978

“If I can’t have you, I don’t want nobody, baby.”

Have truer words ever been spoken when it comes to love? Grammy-winner Yvonne Elliman (b. 1951) landed the biggest hit of her career with “If I Can’t Have You”, the fifth track from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977). It reappeared as the sixth track on her 1978 album, Night Flight. “If I Can’t Have You” marked her sole number one hit. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The Bee Gees (Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Barry Gibb) composed the disco gem while Freddie Perren produced it.

“If I Can’t Have You” starts with a dramatic, disco intro. The rhythm section is tight. Beyond the band, there is marvelous orchestration (the strings and French Horn, especially). The groove propels “If.” It’s not only the groove, though. Yvonne Elliman delivers authentic, strong vocals. “Don’t know why, I’m surviving every lonely day / When there’s got to be no chance for me / My life would end,” she sings in the unforgettable first verse, and adds, “And it doesn’t matter how I cry.” At times, there are harmonized vocal moments that up the ante. Elliman superbly brings the Bee Gees’ tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics to life. In the pre-chorus, another top-notch moment, Elliman asks, “Am I strong enough to see it through? / Go crazy is what I will do.” Woo! The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the section to beat. For all the above reasons, “If I Can’t Have You” is a surefire vibe – one of the great pop songs of the 1970s that exemplifies the disco era.

Appears in 🔻:

Yvonne Elliman, If I Can’t Have You: Throwback Vibez No. 30 (2026)

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14. The Soul Children, “I’ll Understand”

The Soul Children » Craft Recordings / Concord Music Group, Inc. » 1969

Memphis, Tennessee-based soul collective The Soul Children contributed some stellar songs to the soul music catalog. “Hearsay” is a personal favorite. Before its arrival, lead singer John “Blackfoot” Colbert (1946 – 2011), Anita Louis (b. 1949), and Norman West (b. 1939) unveiled a sensational ballad, “I’ll Understand”, the opener from their 1969 self-titled album. The song was written and produced by David Porter (b. 1941) and Isaac Hayes (1942 – 2008).

“I’ll Understand” stands out for many reasons. The musical accompaniment shines, beginning with a lush string and piano-filled introduction. Set in a compound duple meter, “I’ll Understand” excels at lilting, southern soul vibes. The melodies are tuneful, particularly the verses and chorus. John Colbert flaunts his expressive, nuanced, rich vocals in the first verse. “We know each other like the palm of our hands,” he sings, and continues, “And we have to see each other / Whenever and however we can.” Colbert and Anita Louis duet during the pre-chorus, singing, “And if we are caught together / We’ve got so much to lose…” The most memorable and dynamic moment is the chorus, highlighted by the titular lyrics (“I’ll understand, I’ll understand”). Louis sings the second verse, bringing plenty of soulfulness to the table:

“Society we’re from
And say it is supposed to be
But there’s a lot of people
Going through the same changes, baby
Just like you and me.”

Colbert lends his distinct voice to the second pre-chorus: “I know love can be a problem / If you give up tryin’, tryin’, tryin’ to solve them.” The soul gem concludes with fabulous ad-libs by Colbert and Louis. The gospelized vibes are everything. Ultimately, “I’ll Understand” is a top-notch, unforgettable soul cut.

Appears in 🔻:

The Soul Children, I’ll Understand: Throwback Vibez No. 131 (2025)

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15. Simon & Garfunkel, “I Am a Rock”

Sounds of Silence » Columbia Records » 1966

“A winter’s day / In a deep and dark December / I am alone.”

While the lyrics paint a vivid, unideal portrait. Lonely in December? That is, indeed, a big-time, Bah Humbug! In the second verse of “I Am a Rock”, Simon & Garfunkel increase the isolation: “I’ve built walls / A fortress, steep and mighty / That none may penetrate.” Impenetrable? My god today! Despite this, Paul Simon (b. 1941) and Art Garfunkel (b. 1941) deliver a surefire classic. Written by Paul Simon and produced by Bob Johnston, it is the final track on the duo’s 1966 album Sounds of Silence and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I am a rock / I am an Island.” Ah, what a mighty refrain! “I Am a Rock” masterfully captures isolation and being misunderstood with plenty of lyrical examples. See the fourth verse where the nameless isolated individual informs us, “I have my books / And my poetry to protect me / I am shielded in my armor.” Even if this person is misunderstood, Simon & Garfunkel deliver an entertaining tale. Beyond alluring songwriting and a strong vocal performance, the music shines as well. The playful guitar accompaniment by Ralph Casale is quite special during the minimalist introduction. Once the groove kicks in, Simon & Garfunkel match the newfound assertiveness of the folk-rock track. Al Kooper adds vibrance with his organ, while Bobby Gregg locks in on the drums. “I Am a Rock” marks another, once-in-a-lifetime folk-rock gem from the Simon & Garfunkel catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

Simon & Garfunkel, I Am a Rock: Throwback Vibez No. 40 (2026)

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I Songs
Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs (2021)	Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024)
Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 (2025)	Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4 (2025)
15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs (2026)

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15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista Records LLC, Artemas, Atlantic, Barry Gibb, The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb, Black River Entertainment, Columbia Records, Concord Music Group, Inc, Craft Recordings, DistroKid, HBYCO Records, Interscope, Matty M., RCA Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.; David Chilán Malavé from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

15 Incredibly Irresistible I Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 27, 2026May 27, 2026